Wednesday marks 36 years since Nelson Mandela was released from prison
(CBS, KYMA) - On February 11, 1990, South African Black Nationalist leader Nelson Mandela was freed after serving more than 27 years in prison.
Mandela's release happened as President F.W. Deklerk announced the legalization of the African National Congress.
The ANC fought to overthrow white minority rule in South Africa to end apartheid.
South African television broadcast the 71-year-old's release live. Previously, the South African government had censored any publication or broadcast of Mandela's image.
Following Mandela's release, the political prisoner gave his first speech in Cape Town. Multi-racial crowds totaling 50,000 gathered in Cape Town to celebrate Mandela's freedom.
